Flu clinics open today for seniors over 75; Thursday for 65 and older

Starting today all seniors over 75 years of age, as of Nov. 1, and their spouses will be able to get an H1N1 shot.

On Thursday the immunization program will expand to include those 65 years and older, as of Nov. 1, and their spouses.

The vaccination program also opened up to first responders this week, including firefighters, police and provincial peace officers.

Health officials announced on Monday that a Calgary woman with underlying health problems died of the H1N1 flu over the weekend, which brings the number of people who have died from H1N1 to 39 since April.

It was announced last week that the first child — a young girl from Central Alberta — died from the H1N1 flu. The girl had underlying health conditions.

A clinic will be taking place from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today at First Christian Reform Church at 16 McVicar Street in Red Deer. A clinic is planned for 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday at Sylvan Lake Alliance Church at 4404 47 Ave. and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Kinsmen Community Centre at 5009 46 Ave. in Ponoka.

High risk groups are still also able to access the H1N1 vaccine, including children over six months and under five years, as of Nov. 1, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions between age five to 64, caregivers of people who can’t be immunized and frontline health-care workers. The vaccine will not be available to other groups at this time.

Proof of age is required for all age restricted groups and people are asked to bring prescription or other documentation of their condition to show that they are in a high risk group.

For more information go to www.albertahealthservices.ca or check for updates on the Red Deer Advocate’s website at bprda.wpengine.com.